Ireland’s Warm Welcome for Students: Post-Study Visa Options Confirmed by Education Minister Lawless – International Edition

New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI):
James Lawless
Ireland’s Education Minister stated on Monday that the country is “highly receptive” to international students and offers a beneficial work visa option after graduation.

“Ireland is an exceptionally hospitable nation with a highly diverse cultural landscape,” remarked the Irish minister in response to inquiries about potential adjustments to post-study work or immigration policies aimed at retaining skilled professionals. “Our society has become increasingly multicultural, hosting numerous nationalities, including a significant number of Indian individuals who have chosen to make Ireland their permanent residence.”

“We currently have 100,000 individuals from India residing in Ireland…Considering the total population might be between 5 to 6 million, this group represents a considerable segment,” he noted.

The minister stated that Indians have performed admirably in Ireland and have had positive experiences within their educational framework.

“In the realm of our employment system, we have a visa policy whereby an Indian student who arrives in Ireland to pursue higher education has their visa extended for two additional years following completion of a postgraduate program. This allows these students a period of up to two years to search for work upon finishing their studies. During this timeframe, they may remain in the country and apply for an employment visa once employed. Consequently, instances of visa problems among Indian students or professionals are uncommon since those arriving specifically for jobs secure visas through educational programs first, followed by opportunities to enter the workforce afterward. To date, this approach has been highly effective, and we express satisfaction regarding the outcomes,” stated the Irish minister to ANI.

I believe this program is beneficial as it encourages Indian workers and students to visit Ireland, contributing to our shared achievements and enhancing cooperation between both nations.

A key purpose of his trip to India is to reinforce relationships and guarantee collaboration between Irish and Indian educational institutions.

Moreover, he mentioned that Ireland offers various scholarship opportunities for Indian students to benefit from.

Among international students in Ireland, those from India form the largest group, with students from the United States and China following closely behind.

“We’re delighted to welcome our international students,” he shared joyfully. “I’m particularly pleased to observe numerous Indian students immersing themselves in the Irish college life, with many continuing their journey into employment within various sectors. Our country boasts an impressive number of STEM-related enterprises including tech hubs, data centers, and advanced engineering facilities,” he added. “To this day, individuals from India have played a significant role in Ireland’s thriving narrative across these fields.”

During his official trip to India, Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science,
James Lawless
, interacted with Indian media today, highlighting Ireland’s robust and expanding ties with India in areas such as trade, investment, and education.

The Minister will head a top-tier delegation to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai around St Patrick’s Day 2025. The purpose is to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

At an exclusive press gathering in New Delhi, Minister Lawless emphasized the growing connections between India and Ireland, focusing on areas such as advanced education, technological collaboration, and business alliances.

The visit is being organized by Enterprise Ireland (EI), IDA Ireland, and the Irish Embassy in India, highlighting Ireland’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its relationship with India.

Minister of Advanced and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science
James Lawless
remarked, “I am thrilled to travel to India as part of the Irish Government’s St Patrick’s Day program. Ireland remains an attractive destination for Indian businesses looking for a stable, secure, business-friendly setting equipped with a skilled labor force and a tradition of innovation and enterprise.”

Given Ireland’s strong commitment to the EU, it stands out as an excellent location for expanding operations within European markets. Throughout my trip, I am eager to connect with IDA Ireland client firms that currently operate here. This will help us reinforce our partnership and reaffirm the Irish government’s steadfast backing as these businesses continue their growth and deepen their roots in Ireland.

Ireland and India have a thriving trade relationship, with their annual bilateral trade amounting to almost EUR16 billion.

Ireland still stands out as an important European center for Indian enterprises, notably within fields including information technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. Given that prominent Indian corporations such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra have set up operations in Ireland, the nation persists in acting as a launchpad for Indian companies looking to penetrate the broader European marketplace.

Ireland is seeing enhanced cooperation with Indian enterprises in areas of innovation, R&D, and new technologies, notably in sectors like MedTech, fintech, artificial intelligence, and life sciences. With multinational corporations seeking skilled professionals and environments driven by research, Ireland keeps providing Indian firms advanced prospects for growth and innovation. (ANI)